What is a Wild & Scenic River?

The National Wild & Scenic River System was established by Congress in 1968 to protect certain outstanding rivers from the harmful effects of new federal projects such as dams and hydroelectric facilities.  Since then 160 rivers or river segments have been protected nationwide, including 6 in New England.  To be considered a "Wild & Scenic" river it must be free flowing and have at least one outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational value. Today, the Wild & Scenic Rivers program is being used effectively to create river protection approaches that bring communities together in protecting and managing local river resources.

What is a Wild & Scenic River Study and How Was it Established for the Eightmile River?

A Wild & Scenic River Study is conducted to determine whether a particular river or river segment should be included in the national Wild & Scenic Rivers system.  To establish a study of the Eightmile River letters from town boards, area land trusts, river-fronting landowners and residents were submitted to Congressman Rob Simmons and Senator Chris Dodd requesting that a Wild & Scenic River Study be authorized and funded by Congress.  The entire Connecticut congressional delegation supported the bill and on November 6, 2001 it was signed into law by President Bush (Public Law No. 107-65).  The Study is expected to be completed in the spring of 2005.

Who Conducts The Study?

The study is conducted by the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Study Committee.  The Committee's membership includes the First Selectman from the communities of Lyme, Salem and East Haddam, representatives of the three area land trusts, representation from a land use commission in each town, the CT River Estuary Regional Planning Agency, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the CT Department of Environmental Protection, and The Nature Conservancy.  The National Park Service provides staff support and overall coordination.

What Does the Study Involve?

The study has three primary components:

(1) Determining if the river is eligible for inclusion in the Wild & Scenic Rivers system by demonstrating it has outstanding natural, cultural or recreational values of regional or national significance;

(2) Determining if the river is suitable for Wild & Scenic designation by substantiating local support and commitment to designation through methods such as town wide votes of support for designation and adoption of locally-based river protection actions; and

(3) Developing a locally supported river management plan for the watershed that details the strategy for future protection of the area's outstanding values.

Local input, involvement and ownership are critical to a successful study. This Study provides a unique opportunity for Eightmile River towns to come together, mobilize a public input process, and realize a locally shaped vision for their communities and the future of the Eightmile River.

Does the Study Committee Designate the River Wild & Scenic?

No, Congress does.  For designation to be achieved the Study Committee must make a positive recommendation in its final report to Congress, based on the successful outcomes of the three primary study components discussed above.  A bill designating the river Wild & Scenic must then be passed by Congress and signed by the President.

What is so Special About the Eightmile River?

The Eightmile River is the most outstanding river system within the Lower CT River region - a region known as the "Tidelands" and named one of the 40 Last Great Places in the Western Hemisphere by The Nature Conservancy in 1993.  As a riverine ecosystem, it is remarkably intact, free-flowing and virtually dam free.  With excellent water quality and 85% forest cover, the river system is a haven for diverse and abundant fish populations, from native brook trout to blue back herring.  This unusually robust river system contains globally rare species, an internationally recognized fresh water tidal marsh, and indicators of outstanding health such as native fresh water mussels.  To top it all off scenic beauty, historic character, and great fishing flourish in this, the largest unfragmented forest region in coastal Connecticut.

Why is Protection of the Eightmile River Needed?

The communities of East Haddam, Lyme and Salem combined make up 90% of the Eightmile River Watershed.  Over the last decade all have experienced substantial growth pressures.  Incremental and poorly planned growth pose the greatest threat to the special qualities of the river system as highlighted above.  Fragmenting forests and habitats, poorly managing storm water runoff, and paving over important groundwater sources all slowly degrade the features that make the Eightmile River Watershed such a unique place.  Growth can and will continue - Wild & Scenic designation will provide the communities with knowledge, tools and resources to ensure such growth is approached in a way compatible with preserving the outstanding values of the Eightmile River.

How Does Wild & Scenic Designation Help Communities Protect The Eightmile River?

Wild & Scenic designation will qualify the Eightmile River for federal funding and technical support for actions and projects that help achieve the goals of the locally created river management plan, in turn enhancing and protecting the river's outstanding values.   Implementation of the management plan is directed by a locally led coordinating council.

Designation would also provide communities with special federal protection of the river.  However, designation would rely on local control and self-determination and allow existing river uses to continue.  It would not establish a federal park or locally undesired federal land ownership.

What Responsibilities Does the Federal Government Have With A Wild & Scenic River?

The federal government, in this case the National Park Service, is responsible for reviewing and commenting on all federally funded or permitted projects to ensure they do not adversely impact the outstanding values of the river system.  The study and designation does not put any land under federal control, require public access to private land, or force any changes in the local land use decision making process.

Can Local Citizens Be Involved in the Study?

Yes!  Local input, support and involvement are vital to a successful study. The Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Study Committee will hold many community input meetings throughout the study process.  Support on subcommittees as well as increasing the awareness in the community regarding the purpose and process of the Study are greatly needed.  If you'd like to get involved please contact the Study Committee Chairman Anthony Irving in Lyme at (860)434-2390 or Project Manager Kevin Case at (860)738-1092.  Click here for a  list of Study Committee members for more contact information.